Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? First Minister Receives Housing Pitches
First Minister John Swinney, accompanied by NUS Scotland president Ellie Gomersall, took a stand against student homelessness during the SNP Conference. This marks a significant step towards addressing an urgent issue affecting many students in Scotland.
Since his appointment as Scotland’s new First Minister, John Swinney has been receiving housing pitches from various organisations. Yesterday, Shelter Scotland urged the new SNP leader to establish a cabinet-level post dedicated to housing, declare a national housing emergency, and take swift actions to end it.
NUS Scotland president Ellie Gomersall also reached out to Mr Swinney to ensure that rent control legislation is implemented effectively to bring prices down for all students. Research by NUS revealed that 12% of students have experienced homelessness, underscoring the critical need for immediate action.
The letter addressed to the new First Minister applauds the Scottish Government’s Housing Bill released in March and encourages continued efforts in this direction. However, NUS emphasizes the importance of strengthening the bill’s provisions to ensure that rent controls are effective and cover all students equally.
In response, NUS Scotland president Ellie Gomersall stated, “Scotland’s students are facing numerous challenges, and our requests, if fulfilled, would be a fundamental step towards ensuring support for our community. This is not a list of demands but a supportive gesture, urging the government to collaborate with students for the greater benefit of all.”
On the other hand, Propertymark is hopeful that rent control legislation will come to an end with the dissolution of the Bute House Agreement. The impact of existing regulations on the private rental sector has been considerable, leading to landlords seeking alternatives due to the Cost of Living Act of 2022.
Propertymark recommends a review of all costs and taxes affecting private landlords to increase the supply of rental homes and incentivize landlords. Furthermore, addressing the lack of affordability in the private rented sector requires the construction of more social housing to reduce housing demand.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, expressed, “Tackling the housing emergency in Scotland must be a priority for the new First Minister. Collaboration with the sector is crucial to ensure housing plays a positive role in economic growth, health improvement, and job creation.”
Meanwhile, Jane Wood, chief executive of Homes for Scotland, stressed the need for dedicated leadership at the Cabinet level to address the housing crisis affecting both social and economic aspects. Homes for Scotland and its members are ready to collaborate with the new administration to tackle this pressing issue effectively.
